Phil Foden scored a hat-trick as Manchester City secured a convincing 5-1 victory over AEK Athens in the Champions League, marking their second win of the campaign. After a ten-month wait for a goal, Foden followed up a previous strike against Ipswich with three goals, the first two assisted by Rico Lewis.
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Despite the absence of Erling Haaland, City demonstrated their offensive strength, with Enzo Maresca choosing 17-year-old Floyd Samba to fill in for the star striker. This decision showcased City's depth beyond Haaland. Elliot Anderson also contributed with a goal in a dominant first half that featured ten attempts on AEK's goal, including a shot from Allan that hit the crossbar and a near miss by Rayan Cherki.
AEK struggled throughout the match, not registering a shot on target until Stavros Pilios scored early in the second half. However, Cherki quickly responded with City's third goal, extinguishing any hopes of a comeback for the Greek side. Foden then completed his hat-trick with two further goals, including a well-placed finish set up by Rico Lewis, solidifying his return to form.
Maresca praised Foden’s talent, stating he considers him one of the best English players despite previous struggles. He highlighted the importance of squad readiness, especially after a challenging match against PSG.
Foden reflected on the game, noting the determination shown by the team and expressing his belief that he is gradually returning to his best form. AEK Athens coach Marko Nikolic acknowledged City’s quality and admitted that his side may have shown too much respect, acknowledging that they couldn't match City's finishing.
Next, Manchester City will continue their Champions League campaign following this impressive performance.